Pennsylvania Laws Protect Workers Against a Hostile Work Environment

In Pennsylvania, a work environment is considered to be hostile when an employee is subjected to acts of harassment or discriminatory practices because of their gender. The acts or practices must be severe or pervasive enough that a “reasonable person of the same gender” would believe that the conditions of employment have been altered and the working environment has become abusive and hostile.

Pennsylvania law does not protect workers from all forms of hostile environments.  In order to have a valid complaint, the reasons for the hostile work environment must be because illegal acts or practices are directed at an employee based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, age, etc.

A Hostile Work Environment is Not Limited to Gender Bias and Sexual Harassment

A hostile work environment is not limited to sexual harassment. For example, if a woman is subjected to non-sexual taunts or discrimination because of her gender, her work environment may be deemed unlawfully hostile.

Other factors that can be used to show an illegally hostile work environment exists is unfair or derogatory treatment of any employed based on their race, nationality, creed, disability, or other characteristics stated in the Law Against Discrimination.

Suing an Employer for Hostile Work Environment

Even if the conduct does not result in economic damages or change of status to your job (i.e., you were not terminated, demoted, or denied a promotion), if it unreasonably interferes with your work performance or creates an intimidating work environment, you may have a claim against your Pennsylvania employer for being subjected to a hostile work environment.

Our Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Can Help You Get Civil Justice

If you work in New Jersey and have been subjected to a hostile work environment due to sexual harassment or discrimination, we can help. Our lawyers are experienced civil rights and workers’ rights trial lawyers that know how to uncover the facts and develop a strong case against irresponsible or negligent employers.

We offer a free initial consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact us as soon as possible. Pennsylvania law limits the amount of time you have to file a claim against your employer. The sooner you know your rights, the sooner we can help you pursue civil justice for being subjected to a hostile work environment.

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